I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

How are school grades determined at different levels of education in your country (e.g., test, quizzes, reports, participation, etc.)? How are grades listed on report cards? In the USA, letters are often used to indicate performance (A, A-, B+, etc.).

HELPFUL TIP: Many students in the US take the SAT and/or the ACT tests as a part of gaining entrance to colleges and universities. Try taking such tests several times so you get a feel for how they are written if the school are considering require such tests.

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

First, listen to the conversation by pressing the “Play Audio” button, and answer the questions. Press the “Final Score” button to check your quiz.

1. Based on the girl’s statements, how would you describe her English teacher?

A. irritable

B. fascinating

C. considerate
2. How does she feel about her Spanish class?

A. She finds that the exams are quite confusing.

B. She says that the assignments require too much time.

C. She feels the teacher doesn’t spend enough time explaining verbs.

3. How is she doing in her algebra class?

A. She is getting excellent grades.

B. She is doing average work.

C. She is failing the class.

4. Why does the girl like her history class?

A. The teacher gives easy questions on tests.

B. The teacher rewards students who can handle his questions.

C. The teacher gives candy to all of the students.

5. What does the girl have to do after she returns from the movie.

A. She has to finish her algebra homework.

B. She must read her history book.

C. She needs to practice her instrument.

Score =

Correct answers:

Girl: Dad, can I go to a movie with Sharon?Dad: Yeah, sure, but wait. Weren’t you suppose to get a report card sometime this past week?

Girl: Well, oh yeah. Can I call Sharon now?

Dad: Uh-hum. You didn’t answer my question. Did you receive it or not?

Girl: I love you Dad! You’re the best!

Dad: Don’t try to butter me up. I can guess that your answer means that you didn’t do well in some of your classes?

Girl: Well, my English teacher is soooo boring, and he blows up every time someone talks.

Dad: In other words, you’re not doing so well?

Girl: Uh, a C . . . minus.

Dad: Oh. Well, how are you doing in your Spanish class? You said you liked that one.

Girl: Well, I do, but I forgot to turn in a couple of assignments, and I had problems on the last test. All those verbs tripped me up. I get them all mixed up in my head!

Dad: Okay, and what about algebra?

Girl: Ah, I’m acing that class. No sweat.

Dad: Oh!

Girl: Can I go now?

Dad: And how are you doing in history?

Girl: Oh, that’s my favorite class. Mr. Jones is always passing out candy if you know the answers to his questions.

Dad: Great. Now, I have a bright daughter with tooth decay.

Girl: Ah, Dad. Can I go now?

Dad: You can go if you answer my history question. How old am I?

Girl: Uh, fifty-five?

Dad: Fifty-five! You just failed a math and history test at the same time!

Girl: Dad . . .

Dad: Well, okay, but you need to come straight home from the movie, and you need to practice your clarinet.

Girl: Oh, I forgot about that grade?

Dad: What?

Girl: Gotta run, Dad.

Key Vocabulary [Top]
  • suppose (verb): do what you should do based on rules or expectations
    - I was supposed turn in my homework today, but I forgot to bring it.
  • butter up (verb): to flatter with the purpose of getting something
    - It is no use trying to butter her up. She won’t forget that YOU forgot to call her on her birthday last week.
  • blow up (verb): to get angry suddenly
    - My dad blew up when he found out I failed two classes.
  • trip up (verb): to cause to make mistakes
    - The first question on the test tripped me up, and I lost my concentration on the rest of the test.
  • ace (verb): do very well on an assignment or test
    - I can’t believe she aced the test because she didn’t study much last night.
  • no sweat (idiom): no problem, something that is easy to do
    - I’ll get a perfect score on the chemistry test. No sweat.
  • pass out (phrasal verb): give something to each member of a group
    - The teacher passed out the assignment at the end of class.
  • bright (adjective): smart or intelligent
    - There are plenty of bright students in that class.
  • tooth decay (noun): the gradual process of the tooth going bad, sometimes caused by poor dental care and eating habits
    - Eating too many sweets and not brushing your teeth will cause tooth decay.
  • straight (adverb): immediately or directly
    - There are plenty of bright students in that class.